Posted on 05 August 2009 | 4 Comments

The Goods!: Welcome Back Charles! Charles Jourdan To Relaunch in October.

1883 was a very good year. It was in that year both Charles Jourdan and Coco Chanel were born…two greats of the fashion world, to say the least! Jourdan trained as a shoemaker and in 1919 began his solo career as a shoe designer. He was the first shoe designer to advertise in fashion magazines in the 1930’s. 1959 brought about a contract to design shoes under the Christian Dior label, which as you can imagine would do wonders for ones notoriety in the world of haute couture. In the 70’s the house of Jourdan added accessories and women’s wear. It was photographer Guy Bourdin who was responsible for shooting their add campaigns during this time. The Jourdan company made it’s way up until the early 2000’s after having to claim bankruptcy in 2002. For several years now the brand known for it’s avante garde designs hasn’t been in production but this Fall during Paris Fashion Week, Charles Jourdan is back!

Vintage Charles Jourdan booties from The Goods! and the original advertisement by Guy Bourdin.

In the world of vintage, Charles Jourdan footwear is desired by both designers, collectors and fashion savvy consumers. The 70’s and 80’s brought forth aggressive and wild designs, notably in heel shapes. The cantilever heel was made popular in the 40’s and is a heel style associated with Jourdan styles of the 70’s/80’s. For me it is always the heel shape that gives away a vintage Jourdan, from cantilever to cone to cut-out, the heels are like a signature. I’m looking forward to the relaunch and am hoping that Alexandra Neel, former designer at Celine and Balenciaga will look to the past to create for the future. Finger crossed!

Vintage Charles Jourdan Espadrilles from The Goods! available at Marmalade Vintage NYC.